13th Jan 2009 – How Pre-Owned Modular Buildings Are Helping Schools Meet The Green Agenda

In this article, Kevin Jones, Managing Director of Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, looks at how recycled and refurbished modular buildings are being used, the sustainability benefits and he offers some practical advice for selecting a pre-owned modular building.

The use of pre-owned modular buildings continues to increase as more contractors, architects and building end users recognise the cost, sustainability and quality benefits of this highly innovative solution to providing new facilities.
Over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for recycled modular buildings in both public and private sectors, and the approach is now being used to provide high standards of accommodation across a range of sectors – from hospitals and schools to nurseries, offices and transport buildings.

So why would you consider a pre-owned modular building?


The Advantages

This approach to construction offers a range of practical benefits:

• Programme times can be reduced by up to 70 per cent – it is faster than new manufacture and considerably faster than  site-based construction methods. 

• Safety is improved and disruption during construction is much less because the buildings are reconfigured and fully       refurbished off site.

• Because buildings are constructed from modules that are pre-owned, this is a highly cost-effective solution, which enables construction clients to benefit from larger buildings or a higher specification for the same budget as new build.

• As with other off-site building methods, large open plan areas can be created for lecture theatres, canteens, wards, classrooms and offices up to three stories high, configured as stand-alone buildings or extensions to existing facilities.

• Architectural features can be incorporated into the design with the use of a wide range of cladding, glazing and other options.

• Because work off site is maximised, the approach is ideal for constrained sites, which may not have the access or storage space for the heavy plant, equipment and materials needed for traditional site-based construction.


A Highly Sustainable Approach to Construction

Pre-owned modular buildings are one of the most environmentally friendly methods of construction, and a highly sustainable alternative to new build, with no compromise on quality:

• The approach generates less than 10 per cent of the carbon emissions compared to a newly manufactured building of equivalent size (source: Modular and Portable Building Association).

• Relocatable buildings are a sustainable alternative to the demolition and disposal of buildings in landfill sites, which has significant environmental implications.

• Because much of the refurbishment work takes place off-site, the approach generates fewer vehicle movements to site than traditional new build – reducing noise, congestion and carbon emissions.

• The bulk of the embodied energy in a modular building is in the steel components and the insulation materials used in the manufacture of the modular building envelope. By refurbishing the building modules and preserving these elements which have significant embodied energy, the life of the modular or portable building can be considerably extended.

• The approach is very thermally efficient. In England, tests for air permeability on recycled modular buildings are not compulsory. However, in independent tests, Foremans recycled modular buildings have performed up to 80 per cent better than Building Regulations requirements. This means reduced energy consumption and lower running costs and carbon emissions.


How the Approach Works

It is important to note that only the building structure is recycled. All fitting out is as new – with purpose-designed mechanical and electrical installations and new internal fittings, to create quality, attractive and productive environments.
Once a modular building has been identified for use by the contractor, architect or client, it is reconfigured and completely refurbished to individual project requirements. It is then delivered to site where it is craned into position in just a few days, ready for final fitting out, testing and commissioning.

Recycled and refurbished modular buildings can be hired or purchased for flexibility in financing – and a buy-back option can be agreed, giving organisations a convenient disposal mechanism should capacity requirements change and the building become surplus to requirements. This further extends the life cycle of modular and portable buildings.


Building Removal

If a building is no longer required, it can be removed from the site to an agreed programme to provide stock for future use. However, the demolition of any building does have major health and safety implications.

A full risk assessment and agreed method statement should be carried out by the modular contractor to identify all potentially hazardous activities before removal work starts on site and in line with Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM).

The building removal process would also include:

• The removal of floor coverings, light fittings and suspended ceilings

• The decommissioning of air conditioning units, electric systems and plumbing

• The dismantling of the building into its modular units

• The cranage of the modules onto lorries for transportation away from the site.


How to Procure a Pre-owned Modular Building

The quality of pre-owned modular buildings and their suppliers can vary. Here are some of the key considerations for architects, contractors or construction clients to address in the procurement process:

Maximise the Benefits:

• Completed buildings should be visited and references obtained from the supplier.

• A dedicated project manager should be appointed within the client organisation to facilitate quick decision making.

• Does the supplier have a track record in your sector and understand the issues?

• What warranties, if any, and buy-back options are available?


Assess the Supplier’s Purchasing Criteria

• Look very closely at the supplier’s purchasing criteria. Wherever possible, they should use products from manufacturers certified to ISO 9001.

• Are these manufacturers reputable companies and still trading? Specification information may be needed from their technical departments.

• And can you be assured of continuity of stock, when you need it?


Understand the Building System

• Only consider purchasing buildings that are, as a minimum, compliant with 1995 Building Regulations. The performance of such buildings can be enhanced in the refurbishment process.

• Pre-owned steel-framed modules are generally more durable than timber systems, and injected composite panel technology will offer superior weather performance over time.


Resources and Track Record

• Is the supplier financially sound and do they have the resources and services to deliver? Do they have an established and reliable supply chain?

• Look at statistics for the number of projects delivered on time and on budget over the past 3 years. This is a good performance indicator. Are their figures for repeat business over 50 per cent? This will help you assess customer service.

• Make sure you are comparing suppliers that are like for like. What services will be provided? How will the project be managed? Will the building be redecorated only or completely refurbished? And is there an after sales service?

• Lastly, consider health and safety. There should be no compromise on safety issues and all site staff and managers should be trained and accredited in line with current best practice.

More Press Releases